Lonely Planet has declared Margaret River the No.1 place to visit in Asia Pacific in 2019.
The wine region took out the top spot in the fourth annual 10 Best Places to Visit in Asia Pacific, which was expanded this year to include Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
The new list sets out the best places to go in the next 12 months.
Why Margaret River and Southern WA?
Lonely Planet writes: “Take one look at Meelup Beach and you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life: the West Australian bush parts to reveal ocean the hue of a Bombay Sapphire bottle, which is typical of the coastline stretching from Margaret River to the state’s south. Beyond the sand, some of the country’s slickest wineries, breweries and restaurants lie between tracts of tall-tree forest and kangaroo-dotted farmland.”
In the year ending December 2018, the Australia’s South-West region had 3,371,100 visitors who spent $1.61 billion. Margaret River alone had 1,690,800 visitors in the same period – an increase of 8.9% on the previous year.
WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said: “It’s so exciting to hear Margaret River and Southern WA have been announced as the top destination in the Asia Pacific for 2019 by Lonely Planet.
“This is such fantastic recognition of one of WA’s most popular tourism destinations – one that holds a special place in the heart of all Western Australians.
“This destination is renowned for its spectacular coastline, stunning forests and world-class food and wine.
“The south-west of WA is more than just a destination – it’s a hotspot for once-in-a-lifetime experiences – and it’s wonderful that a travel organisation as reputable as Lonely Planet agrees with these sentiments.
“This accolade will give the region even more exposure in our key international markets, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.”
Here's the full top 10:
1. Margaret River & Southern WA, Australia
2. Shikoku, Japan
3. Bay of Islands & Northland, New Zealand
4. Singapore
5. The Cook Islands
6. Central Vietnam
7. Fiji
8. Palawan, Philippines
9. Beijing, China
10. Cambodia
Share the content
